Andy Carroll Pleads Not Guilty to Breaching Order

Former England and Liverpool striker Andy Carroll appeared at Chelmsford Magistrates' Court on Wednesday, indicating a not guilty plea to a charge of breaching a non-molestation order. The 37-year-old, who resides in Epping, Essex, and currently plays for National League South club Dagenham and Redbridge, requested a trial at Crown Court during the brief hearing.

Carroll arrived using crutches and wearing a walking boot on his left foot, having undergone surgery over the weekend to repair a fracture and ligament damage. He confirmed his name, address, and date of birth before District Judge Roy Brown, who granted bail. The judge informed Carroll that his next appearance would be at Chelmsford Crown Court on March 4 for a plea and trial preparation hearing. "On that occasion you will be asked to enter a plea," the judge said. "If it remains a not guilty plea then arrangements will be made for a trial." When offered a seat by a court clerk, Carroll replied, "I'm ok, I'll stand."

The charge stems from an alleged incident in March 2023. Carroll was arrested on April 27, 2023, shortly after arriving at Stansted Airport from France. Essex Police stated at the time that a man had been...